In a perfect world, we'd wake up every day with freshly blowdried, perfectly styled hair but unfortunately, that's not most people's reality. And on days in-between washes, it's easy for our hair to look a little flat and greasy. When that happens, though, we like to look at it as an opportunity — after all, it's no secret that a little grease can actually help maintain certain hairstyles. From trendy baby braids [1] to a slicked-back bun [2], there are a variety of hairstyles for greasy hair that you can try.
Skipping a hair wash day (or two) has become the new norm for many — especially if you have a quality dry shampoo [3] on hand to extend the look and feel of your hair. So, rather than looking at a little grease as a dilemma, we'd like to encourage you to use it as an excuse to get creative. To help you get an Instagram-worthy look, we spoke with professional hairstylists to get their insight on the best greasy hairstyles. They shared their tips, tricks, and looks to ensure you have a good hair day, no matter what.
Greasy Hairstyle Tips
One of the most important things to remember when trying to disguise your greasy hair, according to celebrity hairstylist George Kyraikos [4], is to avoid having your hair completely down.
"Your roots will look flat and the ends won't so you will really see the contrast," he tells POPSUGAR. This is where dry shampoo can lend a helping hand. "If your hair is too greasy, spraying some dry shampoo on your roots and flipping your hair upside down and shaking it out will give your hair a refresh, at least for the day."
But before you go coating your entire head in the product, Mariah Molina [5], an editorial hairstylist at DopDop Salon [6], warns there is a right and a wrong way to apply it. "Spray at an arm's distance on the roots of the crown and sides of your head," she says. "If you spray too close [to your roots] it can develop a white film like baby powder."
And when a spritz of dry shampoo isn't enough to hide your oily hair [7], Kyraikos and Molina have some hairstyles for greasy hair that work like a charm. From half-up, half-down styles to slicked-back updos, keep reading to find a list of expert-approved options that you can proudly debut on your next dirty hair day. Trust us, you won't have any need for a baseball cap or hair scarf with these — they're that good.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Baby Braids
The perk of having greasy hair is it will braids even as small as these maintain a tight look, providing you an easy, quick, and stylish '90s look.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Slicked-Back '90s Bun
Hailey Bieber proves that a slicked-back top knot will hold nicely, especially with day-two or -three hair. Stay true to the decade by not fully tucking your hair in, allowing the ends to be spiky.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: "Wet" Hair Look
Try disguising your oily strands on short to medium-length hair using the "wet" hair trend. Just grab some gel and run it through your ends for a slick look.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Elevated Bun
If you're looking to revamp your bun, simply dress it up with side bangs and some curled face-framing pieces.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Slicked-Back Mini Twists
Upgrade your typical french-twist hairstyle with this mini variation.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Smooth Ponytail
Go the classic route and create a pulled-back, sleek ponytail. The natural oil and grease in your hair means you won't have to use as much hair gel.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Bubble Ponytail
A bubble ponytail is more fun than the traditional style and only requires a few extra hair bands.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Cornrows
Cornrows are a great protective hairstyle that can help you extend the time between wash days.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Colourful Clips
Even something as simple as dressing up your style with a few hair accessories can help hide greasy roots. Just layer clips around your roots to add personality to any basic style.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Slicked-Back Braided Ponytail
Another timeless hairstyle to add to your arsenal is the braided ponytail. On dirty hair, you should only need a small amount of styling product, like gel or hairspray, to smooth down flyaways.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Braided Crown
If you need an elevated hairstyle, perhaps for a wedding or birthday party, to do on dirty hair, a braided crown is just the thing.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Half-Up, Half-Down
A half-up, half-down hairstyle easily disguises oily hair with the right product.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Half-Up Bubble Pigtails
If you don't want your hair completely up, you can still do a partial updo with these fun bubble pigtails.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Slicked-Back Low Bun
Balletcore [8] is at the forefront of fashion right now, so embrace the trend with a smooth ballerina-inspired low bun [9].
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Curly Ponytail
Show off the volume of your curls with a high ponytail. This hairstyle is quick and easy to achieve if you're in a hurry.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Braided Pigtails
Braided pigtails are not only playful but can provide a clean look when smoothed down. For some added personality, incorporate clips into the look.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Messy Claw Clip Ponytail
Claw clips are one of the most versatile hair accessories to have in your collection and make for an easy hairstyle for greasy hair days.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Twisted Bun With Clips
Try creating a timeless bun on your greasy hair with clips instead of your standard hair band or bobby pins.
Hairstyles For Greasy Hair: Space Buns
Elevated space buns are the perfect hairstyle for a greasy hair day. The look is chic and playful.
